Staying Present in a Performance Review – Key Tips
Even with effective planning, performance reviews can take many turns during the conversation. Here are some common patterns that can occur in the conversation, and ways to keep things on track and focused on outcomes.
- Start with identifying projects or tasks that were key areas of focus for the year. Ask the employee what went well that he or she is proud of. What might the person do differently next time? Giving the person time to respond often leads them to state the feedback you were nervous to give—by framing it as a question about what the person would do differently next time, it opens the door to initiating the discussion you both know needs to be had.
- If the employee is overdoing a strength (too much analysis is leading to deadlines not being met), consider framing it in that way: “We all have strengths that when taken too far can get in our way. I see one of your strengths as ___. Sometimes, though, that appears to result in ___. For example, ___. What are your thoughts on that?”
- Keep the focus on the person’s specific role and activities. If the employee starts blaming others or gives excuses, refocus on what they own—acknowledge others were involved, and then ask about what the employee is willing to take responsibility for. Give time for a response.
- Consider asking the person what rating they would give themselves and why. If you have been effectively communicating feedback throughout the year, most people will be realistic about their work, and will be generally honest in return. If someone states an unexpected response, ask them what led to the answer—hearing their perspective will help you understand how they see the situation, giving you more information with which to course correct in response.
Feedback is more memorable when the person receiving the feedback says the key points on their own. Trust the process—given the space and the chance, people will often beat you to the point. Knowing what you want to say but guiding the recipient through a collaborative process decreases stress and builds the relationship.
Choose a Seminar and Save $10
How to Manage Diversity in the Workplace
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Team Training - Virtual or In-person
How to Manage Remote Employees
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Team Training - Virtual or In-person
Transitioning to Supervisor
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 13
-
Sep 16
-
Sep 17
-
+ 34 more dates
In-Person Events:
- Oct 16, Atlanta, GA
- Oct 17, Nashville, TN
-
+ 4 more dates
Leadership, Team-Building and Coaching Skills for Managers and Supervisors
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 13
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 18
-
+ 33 more dates
In-Person Events:
- Nov 4, Orlando, FL
- Nov 5, Fort Lauderdale, FL
-
+ 9 more dates
The Indispensable Office Manager
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 13
-
Sep 19
-
Sep 24
-
+ 6 more dates
How Managers Become Great Leaders
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 16
-
Sep 19
-
Sep 20
-
+ 22 more dates
Be the Manager Your Employees Want to Follow
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 16
-
Sep 25
-
Dec 3
-
+ 2 more dates
Create Effective Employee Development Plans
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 16
-
Sep 18
-
Sep 26
-
+ 2 more dates
Management & Leadership Skills for New Managers and Supervisors (2-Day)
- CEU: 1.2
- CPE: 12
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 16-17
-
Sep 17-18
-
Sep 19-20
-
+ 20 more dates
In-Person Events:
- Sep 18-19, Dallas, TX
- Sep 23-24, Austin, TX
-
+ 9 more dates
How to Supervise People
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 16
-
Sep 24
-
Oct 2
-
+ 17 more dates
Basic Accounting Skills for the Business Professional
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 23
-
Oct 2
-
+ 8 more dates
Criticism & Discipline Skills for Managers and Supervisors
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 25
-
Oct 1
-
+ 9 more dates
How to Supervise Bad Attitudes and Negative Behaviors
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 23
-
Oct 1
-
+ 18 more dates
Inspiring Employee Motivation and Engagement
- CEU: 0.3
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 18
-
+ 11 more dates
How to Improve Employee Accountability with Remote and In-Person Teams
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 17
-
Sep 23
-
Sep 30
-
+ 1 more dates
Facilities Management - A 2-Day Comprehensive Course
- CEU: 1.2
- CPE: 12
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 19-20
-
Sep 24-25
-
Sep 25-26
-
+ 15 more dates
A Crash Course for the First-Time Manager or Supervisor
- CEU: 0.6
- CPE: 6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 19
-
Sep 27
-
Oct 3
-
+ 13 more dates
In-Person Events:
- Nov 6, Nashville, TN
- Nov 7, Atlanta, GA
-
+ 5 more dates
Employment Laws All Managers Need to Know
- CEU: 0.6
- HRCI: 5.5
- PDC: 6
Virtual Seminars:
-
Sep 19
-
Sep 23
-
Oct 1
-
+ 15 more dates
Coaching Skills and Leadership Lessons
- CEU: 0.3
Virtual Seminars:
-
Oct 2
-
Oct 2
-
Oct 16
-
+ 17 more dates
